Beltonanean Mountain

The walk up Beltonanean Mountain isn't what you'd call a proper expedition, but the payoff from the top makes it worth the leg work. From Cookstown, you're looking at a straightforward hike through the Sperrins - this isn't a mountain that requires ropes or fell-running experience, just decent boots and the willingness to head uphill for a bit.

What you get at the summit is proper walking country: 360-degree views across Mid Ulster, with the Sperrins rolling out in every direction. On a clear day you can see right across to the valleys and villages below. The light changes constantly up here, which means the same view looks different every hour - worth knowing if you're planning to spend time just sitting and looking.

Historyheads might find this area interesting given its place in the Sperrins landscape, though there's not much archaeology to examine on the peak itself. Families with decent walkers will enjoy it; younger kids might find the ascent a slog without compensation. The real appeal is for walkers who want something achievable without committing to a half-day expedition.

There's no admission fee as such - it's open country. Allow a couple of hours including the walk up and time at the top. If you're staying at Sperrinview Glamping nearby, it's a cracking base for tackling this and exploring the wider Sperrins range. Go when the weather's settled. Mist up here is thick and makes the views pointless.